Peter Troglio He participated in a television program and told a hilarious anecdote that paints the whole body of what Carlos Bilardo was like as a coach. The former soccer player of the Argentine national team recalled the day that the Doctor emphatically asked them not to pass the ball to the then President of the Nation, Carlos Saúl Menem: “Don’t give it to him!”
It is known that the world champion coach in Mexico with the Albiceleste does not like to lose to anything and this was reflected in a benefit match that was held alongside the 1986 World Cup champions. That friendly was played on July 21, 1989 at the Velez Sarsfield stadium and brought together about 40 thousand people.
The team led by Carlos Bilardo on that day was commanded by Diego Armando Maradona and integrated almost entirely by the footballers who had consecrated themselves three years earlier at the World Cup. However, this formation had the presence, as captainof Carlos Saul Menemwho at the age of 59 had assumed as president of the Republic just two weeks ago.
Opposite was a combination of renowned players, among which stood out, among others, Carlos Ischia and Hugo Orlando Gatti. There were also figures Bilardo had not called for the World Cup, which is why the Doctor did not think of losing to this team, even if it was a friendly for benefit. Bearing in mind that Menem was the central midfielder, Narigón earnestly asked his pupils not to pass the ball to the President of the Nation.
“Bilardo yelled at me not to give it to Menem”, Troglio recalled when he saw a photo of him with the Doctor while giving an interview to La Noche de TyC Sports. “He wanted to win, he didn’t want to lose,” insisted Pedro, who provided more details of that incredible request from the DT: “I played on the right and Menem five. Bilardo did not want to lose against the rest of the Argentine players that he did not call up for the National Team. That’s why he yelled at us ‘don’t give it to Menem’”.
“Menem did not say anything, but I imagine that he will have heard”, added Troglio between laughs. “We gave it to him a little, but he lost it and some cons came…”, recalled the former coach of Gymnastics and Fencing La Plata and San Lorenzo de Almagro.
The game on that day ended with a 1-0 victory for the National Team, thanks to Diego Maradona’s goal from a free kick. “President of Argentina, practice one of my favorite sports, enter the court with these idols, because they are my idols, what more can I ask for?” Menem, who loved the different disciplines and used to share pleasant moments with him, expressed at the time. the athletes.
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